Best 10 Day Hawaiian Itinerary – Maui, Kauai and Oahu

So, you want to visit the Hawaiian Islands and learn about the best 10-day Hawaiian Itinerary going to the islands of Maui, Kauai, and Oahu.  Well, you have come to the right blog post. However, feel free to also visit our “Things to do in Hawaii for Couples” Post which has more information on all the Islands.

Best 10-Day Hawaiian Itinerary – Other Islands

Of course, there are other islands that you can visit as well: The Big Island of Hawaii, Lanai, and Molokai in addition to Maui, Kauai and Oahu to complete the big six.  But you have chosen the best three to take maximum advantage of your ten days in paradise.   Here is why:

• Maui has beautiful beaches and natural beauty, as do the other islands, but it also has scenic drives, whale watching, Haleakala National Park, and great golf courses.
• Kauai is the Garden Isle.  It has Waimea Canyon State Park and the Napali Coast.  It is also the least developed of the three Islands, so it is a great place to learn about the Hawaiian culture.
• Oahu has the famous Waikiki Beach and other beautiful beaches, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and the Polynesian Cultural Center which we highly recommend visiting.

This is not to say that there are no other wonderful reasons to visit the Big Island of Hawaii and the smaller, less visited islands, but with only 10 days, you will have your work cut out for you just to visit the three we have recommended.  While the Big Island of Hawaii is an option, you will need to eliminate one of the other three islands just to make 10 days work for you.  So, our recommendation: stick with the best 10-day Hawaii Itinerary – Maui, Kauai and Oahu.

Cos’s Personal Experience

Here is my personal story; the first time I visited the Hawaiian Islands was in 1978.  It was my honeymoon, and I had ten days to see as much as I could of the Islands.  Back then, all the planes flew to Honolulu on Oahu so that was clearly the first Island I visited.  I knew that Maui was special, and I also wanted to see Kauai, the Garden Isle.  So, that was how I did my 10-day itinerary.  I still think it is the best first time 10-day Hawaiian Itinerary. Since the first time I visited the Hawaiian Islands, I have been back around a dozen times.  I already have two trips planned in 2024 and will visit all the Big 4 islands next year.

What is the best time to visit for Your Best 10-Day Hawaiian Itinerary

There really is no bad time to visit the Hawaiian Islands.  It comes down to simple tradeoffs.  November is the least popular month to visit, which makes it less crowded. but it is also the peak of the rainy season.  The summer months are very popular. June has the least rain, but the most families, and will be very crowded.  January is very popular as it is a good time to go. Also, the PGA Golf tour plays two tournaments in Maui and Oahu that month.  The winter months, mid-December to March are the peak tourist season. Consequently, hotel rooms will be a bit more expensive.

How to get to Your Best 10-Day Hawaiian Itinerary  

Flying to Honolulu is still the most popular and often the best way to get to the Hawaiian Islands.   If you are a frequent flyer like us, we like to fly Hawaiian Airlines for several reasons.  They have frequent direct flights from several US cities, and they have some special deals for frequent flyers, including a partnership with Hilton Hotels. Also, they get you into the Hawaiian spirit before you get there, and their first-class food is excellent.  You can book your flight with Hawaiian Airlines right here:

You can also fly directly or connect through Honolulu to all the other Islands.  Intra-Island flights are offered by both Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines.  Intra-island flights are frequent and very convenient.

Alternative Ways to Get to Hawaii

Another alternative that is getting more popular is to take a cruise to the islands.  Norwegian offers a cruise that runs frequently and goes around the islands.  Celebrity and other Cruise lines will offer a visit to several of the islands on their trans-Pacific Ocean cruises.  If you like the idea of a cruise, visit Cruise Critic to check out your options or check out our cruise post.

Getting Around the Islands

Getting around the islands can be very challenging if you don’t rent a car.  They are building a train from Honolulu Airport to downtown Waikiki, but the project is controversial and behind schedule.  Currently, only a small route outside of the city is open.   You can take a shuttle service to downtown Waikiki and from there you can either walk around town, take a cab or ride-share service, or take a tour to see other places on the island.  Other than when staying in Waikiki, on Oahu, a rental car is essential but can be expensive.  We recommend that you consider Rental Car.com to look at different rental car companies’ offers, or choose National Car Rental. They let you select your car.

Best 10 Day Hawaiian Itinerary – Maui (4 Days)

You can think of Maui as a collection of popular areas. The two main areas are primarily where you want to stay.  They are West Maui and South Maui.  Other areas that you might want to visit are Haleakala & Upcountry, Hana & Hana Highway, and Central Maui near the airport.

Since we are recommending that you stay four days on Maui, we suggest exploring the area where you stay on your first day, consider going up country to Haleakala one day, visiting the other main area where you are not staying another day, and if you are adventurous trying the road to Hana the third day.  Depending on when you wish to leave to go to another island you may be able to check out the Central Maui area before your departure flight on Day four. If you follow that itinerary, you will get to see most of the Island.  Here are the highlights of each area.  

Special Emergency Notice 

Please note that recent wildfires have resulted in the devastating loss of loved ones, homes, cultural and historical sites, and businesses in Lahaina. As of October 8th, 2023, West Maui (including Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, Honokōwai, and Kapalua) will be open to visitors again except Lahaina   Lahaina will remain fully closed to the public until further notice out of respect to the town’s residents. If you are planning a trip to Maui, it is advisable to check for updates on travel restrictions and guidelines before making any reservations. You can visit the official resource for the state of Hawaii for more information on travel to Maui 

West Maui Itinerary (Day 1 or 2)

West Maui includes the towns of Lahaina, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, Honokōwai and Kapalua.  Lahaina, which once was the capital of all of Hawaii, is no more.   It was almost totally destroyed by the wildfires of 2023. So many of the wonderful people of the islands, have lost everything they own. Our hearts go out to the people.

 The other towns were totally cut off in the aftermath of the fires but are reopening.   At least for the near future, it may be best not to stay in those areas as travel to the other parts of the island requires you to frequently pass through or just around the devastated area.   Given the current situation, you may also want to alter the number of days you stay in Maui for your Best 10-Day Hawaiian Itinerary to only three and add a day to either Oahu or Kauai.

West Maui Activities

Nevertheless, here are the things we recommend doing in West Maui which can still be accessed by passing around the outskirts of Lahaina or by traveling north around some hairpin turns on steep mountains, which will surely be a very scenic drive:

1. Nakalele Point and Blowhole: Witness an explosive show from the Nakalele Blowhole, caused by the ocean undercutting the shore and forcing seawater up through a large hole in the lava shelf. The blowhole is variable with the tide and surf, high tide is best.
2. Ma’alaea: Ma’alaea Harbor is centrally located between the Kahului Airport and the Lahaina/Ka’anapali resort areas. It offers a variety of activities such as humpback whale-watching tours, snorkeling tours, and sunset dinner cruises. 
3. Maui Ocean Center: Explore the immersive underwater aquarium at the Maui Ocean Center in the whale-friendly Māʻalaea Bay.
4. West Maui Beaches: West Maui has some of the most beautiful beaches on Maui, including Puamana Park, Kaanapali Beach, Napili Bay Beach, Launiupoko State Park, Kapalua Bay Beach, Oneloa (Ironwoods) Beach, Black Rock Pu’u Keka’a, and Olowalu Turtle Reef.
5. Ka’anapali & Kapalua Golf Courses: Ka’anapali and Kapalua offer two 18-hole courses with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and West Maui Mountains.
6. Ka’anapali Food Trucks:  The food trucks, located on Lower Honoapiilani Road in the northern part of Kaanapali Beach, are a great place to get some really great, less expensive food. 

Best 10 Day Hawaiian Itinerary – West Maui Golf Courses

West Maui is renown for its Golf Causes. There are two golf courses in West Maui that you might be interested in: Kaanapali Golf Course and Kapalua Golf.

1. Kaanapali Golf Course offers 36 holes of legendary golf and is rich in history and tradition. The courses are situated on 1200 acres of land, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the West Maui Mountains. The courses are open to the public and offer breathtaking views and an exciting layout suited to golfers of all skill levels.
2. Kapalua Golf offers two 18-hole courses with even more stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and West Maui Mountains. The Both courses are open to the public and offer an exciting layout suited to golfers of all skill levels. the Plantatioin Course is well known as it hosts an annual PGA Tour Tournament.

Best 10-Day Hawaiian Itinerary – South Maui Itinerary (Day 1 or 2)

South Maui is a popular tourist destination in Hawaii, with plenty of activities to offer.  You must visit South Maui for your Best 10-Day Hawaiian Itinerary. The region includes the towns of Kihei, Wailea, Makena, and Maalaea. Historically, West Maui was the most popular place to stay for the masses as the South Maui resorts are more upscale and more expensive.  However, given the problems in West Maui, we suspect that more people will be looking to stay in South Maui, and it will get more crowded.  The resorts in South Maui are truly spectacular including the Four Seasons and the Fairmont. Kihei offers some less expensive alternatives than the high-class resorts in Wailea.  

Here are some of the top things to do in South Maui:

1. South Maui Beaches: South Maui has some of the most beautiful beaches on Maui, including Makena Beach, also known as “Big Beach” and considered one of the island’s best, Wailea Beach, Polo Beach, and Kamaole Beach Park.
2. Golfing: South Maui offers world-class golf courses such as Wailea Golf Club and Makena Golf & Beach Resort.
3. Hiking: Hike through the expansive lava fields like La Perouse Bay or explore the coastal areas.
4. Shopping and Dining: Shop and dine in some of Maui’s finest restaurants and resorts in Wailea.

South Maui is Also Popular for Weddings

While you might not be able to or want to include this activity in your 10-day Hawaiian Itinerary, you might find it interesting that Robin and I got married in South Maui at Makena Cove. This beach is also called Secret Beach.  It is a difficult place to find, but once there it will become your favorite beach in Maui.  You get to Makena after you pass through Wailea.  You then pass just south of Big Beach and Little Beach at Makena State Park. 

We own timeshares in Hawaii and have access through Hilton Grand Vacations in both West Maui (Kaanapali Beach) and South Maui (Kihei). We have stayed more often in Kaanapali Beach but find that the newer facility in Kihei is nicer and more convenient.  

Best 10-day Hawaiian Itinerary – Haleakala & Up Country (Day 3)

Haleakala National Park, atop Haleakala Mountain, is a true gem.   We can’t call it a hidden gem because the sunrise views at 4 or earlier in the morning are legendary.  This has caused the ride up to Haleakala in the early morning to become very popular.  Several companies offer bike tours down the mountain after seeing the sunrise.  Great fun. We did it as a family.

The sunrise views can be spectacular or just marginal.  It all depends on the cloud cover which you drive through on your way up the mountain.  Usually, the clouds clear at the top, and you get a spectacular sunrise shining on the clouds below you.  The only challenge is that it can get cold up there early in the morning so make sure you bring plenty of warm clothes. 

 After getting up early morning to see the sunrise, or just going up mid-day as we did on our last trip, once you are Up Country it is time to explore the rest of this area.   If you get up early for the sunrise, you are probably ready for some breakfast when you come down the mountain.   Stop at one of the restaurants in the small town of Kula at the bottom of the mountain.  Our favorite is the Kula Lodge.  Otherwise, head over to the town of Makawao which is a throwback to the old cowboy days on the island. Last time there we had lunch at the Hali’maile General store on Hali’maile Road.  

Alternative Stop on Your 10-Day Hawaiian Itinerary

If you still have time in the afternoon and are not running late on your 10-Day Hawaiian Itinerary, or if you have time on your last day in Maui, you might want to visit the Iao Valley State Park, near the airport in the central part of the island.  This valley has great scenic beauty, and great history and is the reason that Maui is called the Valley Isle.   

Best 10-day Hawaiian Itinerary – Road to Hana (Day 4)

We highly recommend venturing out and spending the day taking the Road to Hana tour.  The Road to Hana is a scenic drive that offers breathtaking views of Maui’s coastline and lush rainforests. It is a windy road with some of the best scenery anywhere in the world.  Depending on how many stops you make it will take you a few hours to get from Pa’ia, where the road starts, to Hana.

A great way to do the Road Trip to Hana is to have a GPS audio guide that will tell you where to stop on the Road. We used the Guidealong.com App which was very helpful to point out the key places to stop.

Road to Hana Stops

There are many stops along the way that are worth exploring. Here are some of the top places to stop on the Road to Hana:

1. Ho’okipa Beach Park: Located around Mile Marker 9, Ho’okipa Beach Park is a popular spot for surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.
2. Twin Falls: Twin Falls is a bio-diverse farm that has been family-owned and operated since 1997. It is home to the first waterfalls to be accessed along the Road to Hana. You can hike to the Lower Falls, which is an easy, short walk from the parking lot, or to the Upper Falls, which is a one-mile roundtrip hike through a slippery but beautiful trail.
3. Huelo Lookout: The Huelo Lookout is located between Mile Markers 4 and 5 on the Road to Hana. Here you will find a quaint rest stop with panoramic views of East Maui.
4. Maui Garden of Eden: Located at Mile Marker 10, the Maui Garden of Eden is a beautiful arboretum created by Alan Bradbury, Maui’s first ISA-certified arborist.
5. Ke’anae Peninsula: The Ke’anae Peninsula is just past the Ke’anae Arboretum, at about Mile Marker 16. This area has a lot of history, and gorgeous coastline views, and gives guests the chance to catch a glimpse of “Old Hawaii”.

For more information about the Road to Hana, and other great road trips please see our Post Best Road Trips for Couples.  

Optional Tour: Helicopter Tour of Molokai.

Also, if you are looking for a fun activity to do, you might want to consider taking a Helicopter tour from Maui to see the Island of Molokai.   Molokai is a beautiful island with incredible cliffs and gorgeous views.  You can also fly and land there or get a boat and travel there as well, thus spending some time on the actual land.  Robin and I did the helicopter version in 2022 and enjoyed the tour.  You can book it here on Viator.

If you go the land route, you can even visit the infamous Kalaupapa leprosy colony. Not an easy place to get to, but a nice visit for history buffs.

Best 10-day Hawaiian Itinerary – Kauai

Kauai is a beautiful island in Hawaii that is known as the “Garden Island” because of its lush greenery and vibrant flowers. While Kauai is a small island compared to the other larger Hawaiian Islands, there is still plenty to do on Kauai. Also, you can easily see the entire island in three days. Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting Kauai:

1. Natural Beauty: Kauai is home to some of the most stunning natural attractions in Hawaii, such as the Waimea Canyon, the Napali Coast, and the Wailua River.
2. Beaches: Kauai has some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, including Poipu Beach Park, Hanalei Bay, and Tunnels Beach.
3. Outdoor Activities: Kauai offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, surfing, and snorkeling.
4. Small-Town Charm: Kauai has managed to maintain a small-town feel while still catering to large numbers of tourists each year. Hanapepe Town and Waimea Town are great spots to grab a meal, do a little shopping, or just explore.
5. History and Culture: Kauai has a rich history and culture that can be explored through its museums, historic sites, and cultural events.

 Here are the top ten things to do in Kauai:

1. Napali Coast: The Napali Coast is a 17-mile expanse of rocky, steep and oh-so-gorgeous cliffs that stretch along Kaua’i’s North Shore. 
2. Waimea Canyon: Waimea Canyon, aptly nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” should be at the top of every traveler’s itinerary. 
3. Poipu Beach Park: Poipu Beach Park is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach is located on Kauai’s sunny south shore and offers plenty of amenities such as restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and lifeguards.
4. Kilauea Lighthouse: The Kilauea Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on Kauai’s North Shore. The lighthouse was built in 1913 and is now part of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.
5. Wailua Falls: Wailua Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near Lihue on Kauai’s east side. The falls are easily accessible by car and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
6. Hanalei Bay: Hanalei Bay is a beautiful crescent-shaped bay located on Kauai’s North Shore. The bay offers plenty of activities such as swimming, surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
7. Kalalau Trail: The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trail that leads from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach along Kauai’s North Shore. The trail offers stunning views of the Napali Coast and is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in Hawaii.
8. Koke’e State Park: Koke’e State Park is located on Kauai’s west side and offers plenty of hiking trails that lead through some of Hawaii’s most beautiful landscapes.
9. Limahuli Garden and Preserve: Limahuli Garden and Preserve is a botanical garden located on Kauai’s north shore. The garden features native Hawaiian plants and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
10. Hanapepe Town: Hanapepe Town is a charming town located on Kauai’s south shore. The town features art galleries, shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

Getting to the Napali Coast

Getting to the #1 recommended tourist attraction, the Napali Coast, can be a challenge.  I have been to Kauai three times in my life and will make my 4^th trip in 2024.   I got to the Napali Coast on my second and third trips.  The first time by helicopter and the second time by a catamaran boat tour.  I strongly recommend the helicopter because the views are great.  I recall that the film Jurassic Park starts with a helicopter ride like the one I did right into the canyon.  It was amazing.  

The next trip was by catamaran which was equally spectacular.  The only concern was that on the ride home, the ocean got rough.  So, if you are not scared of heights, I say the helicopter is the way to go. 

Where to Stay in Kauai?

A decision you need to make in planning your trip to Kauai is where do you want to stay.  You have three choices.  The North Shore, the South Shore, and the East Coast.  Essentially, everything in Kauai is on a coast and the western or Napali Coast is way too rugged to support any hotels. 

In the North, there are several hotels that you can stay at in and around Hanalei Bay in the town of Princeville.  Princeville is a beautiful town located on Kauai’s North Shore.

North Shore – Princeville

Here are some of the best places to stay in Princeville, they are some of the best, but most expensive places to stay on the island:

1. 1 Hotel HANALEI BAY: This luxurious hotel offers stunning views of the Na Pali Coast and lush tropical flora of Kauai.
2. Kauai Marriott Resort: This resort offers a variety of amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and golf courses 
3. Makai Club Resort: This resort offers spacious villas with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Hanalei Bay.
4. The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas: Upmarket cliff-top resort with pools
5. Hanalei Bay Resort: Tropical lodging with pools & tennis

East Coast – Near Lihue

On the East Coast, closer to Lihue, the Capital, and the airport there are several less costly hotels with easier access to the main things to do on the Island.  This is just a sample:

1. Kauai Shores Hotel
2. Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
3. Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club

South Shore – Near Poipu

The South Shore, our favorite place to stay on the island, has some gorgeous beaches.  Poipu is our favorite as we have access to the Hilton Grand Vacations property on this beach.   It is next to the Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa which is a wonderful hotel. Poipu is also a very interesting area to explore.  In 2023 we toured the whole south shore and Waimea Canyon by following a tour on our iPhone from GuideAlong.com, formerly GyPSy Guide.  They have great GPS-enabled mobile phone-based tour guides for many car tours in Hawaii.   We also used their audio tour on the Road to Hana Tour.

Best 10-day Hawaiian Itinerary – 3 Days in Kauai

So, what do you plan on doing with your three days in Kauai?  First, you must see the Grand Canyon of the Pacific in the Waimea Canyon State Park.  You can coordinate this with a trip around the South Shore and have a great full day.   While there, make sure to visit Hanapepe Town.  It is a historic town with a rich history.  Unlike much of Kauai which developed because of the sugar industry, Hanapepe was built by entrepreneurial immigrants who in many cases retired from the sugar plantations. 

On Day Two, wander north and check out Princeville.  There is some great scenery up there and you will really enjoy it.  While there, visit the Limahuli Botanical Gardens. Also, visit the Wailua Falls, it is close to Lihue and can easily be visited on the same day.  

On Day three, we always leave the adventure trip for the last day and go visit the Napali Coast, either on a boat tour or by helicopter.  You will absolutely love it. 

Best 10-day Hawaiian Itinerary – Oahu

Oahu is a beautiful island in Hawaii with plenty of activities to offer. Here are some of the top things to do on Oahu:

1. Pearl Harbor: Pearl Harbor is a historic site that was attacked by Japanese forces during World War II. In addition to the USS Arizona Memorial (see below), it is now home to several other monuments including the USS Missouri which is where the surrender to end WWII was signed.
2. USS Arizona Memorial: The USS Arizona Memorial is a must-visit attraction in Oahu. It is a national monument that honors the 1,177 sailors and Marines who died on the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
3. Iolani Palace: Iolani Palace is a historic landmark located in downtown Honolulu. It was the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy and is now a museum that showcases Hawaii’s royal history.
4. Waikiki Beach: Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and is located in Honolulu. The beach offers plenty of activities such as swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
5. Diamond Head: Diamond Head is a volcanic crater located on the eastern edge of Waikiki. It offers stunning views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.
6. Hanauma Bay: Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve located on the southeastern coast of Oahu. It offers some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii and is home to a variety of marine life.
7. Polynesian Cultural Center: The Polynesian Cultural Center is a theme park that showcases the culture and traditions of Polynesia. 
8. North Shore: The North Shore is a popular destination for surfers and beachgoers alike. It offers some of the best surfing in Hawaii and has plenty of beaches to explore.
9. Kualoa Ranch: Kualoa Ranch is a nature reserve located on the northeastern side of Oahu. 
10. Manoa Falls: Manoa Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Manoa Valley near Honolulu. The hike to the falls is relatively easy and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Oahu 3-Day Itinerary

Oahu is the most populous of Hawaii’s islands and if you stay in Waikiki you will feel like you are in a major city.  And you are.   Nevertheless, we really enjoy Oahu for all the things that you can do on the island, plus the beauty of Diamond Head and the other places throughout the island. 

Three days in Oahu is not enough time to really get to understand the Island. Therefore, if you decided to shorten your stay in Maui, you should consider adding the extra day here.

Day One

Here is our recommendation for day one.  If you do nothing else on your first visit to Oahu, you must visit Pearl Harbor.  I recommend day one. I have been there four different times in my life.  When you take the boat ride out to the memorial and stand above the sunken USS Arizona and see the list of the people killed that were day, you will get chills.  Every time I go, I don’t leave with a dry eye.   This is a truly moving place, a lot like ground zero at the World Trade Center in New York City.  

While in Pearl Harbor, there is also the opportunity to visit the USS Missouri where the Japanese surrendered to end WWII.  And finally, you can drive up to the Punchbowl, where the National Cemetery of the Pacific is located.  Not very different than visiting Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC, or the American National Cemetery in Normandy France.  I’m honored to have been able to visit all three of our most important National Cemeteries. Spending the day this way in Honolulu will be a day you will not forget. 

Day Two

On Day Two we suggest you get familiar with Waikiki and downtown Honolulu.  Get up early and hike up Diamond Head.  It is a moderately challenging climb, but something most people in decent health should be able to handle.  You must get up early because by 7 a.m. the parking lot is usually full, and your bigger hike will be getting back into the park.  Spend some time walking or enjoying the beach and possibly exploring downtown Honolulu.  The Iolani Palace is a very interesting place to visit, as is the Bishop House.  

Day Three

On Day Three, we suggest you head north and explore the north shore.  While you can arrange for local transportation on days one and two, you have two choices to manage your way to the north shore.  First you can rent a car. Second, you can join a tour in the afternoon to take you up to the Polynesian Cultural Center.  I haven’t been back to the cultural center for many years, but I remember it well. It helped me to get a better understanding of Polynesian culture. Polynesians were the forerunners to the Hawaiian culture, the first peoples, and still have a big influence over the island today.  

You can arrange a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center here: with a 10% discount on your ticket here:.